I have the stock stereo in my 1998 and everything works except it says error whenever I try to play CDs. I like the stock stereo and don't want to buy an upgraded version or don't really have the money too. I know nothing about stereos so was wondering if there is a way to clean them out and maybe that is my problem? I have seen at stores that there are CDs you can buy that are meant just to clean the insides, does this work or what should I do? any advise would be appreciated.

 

it depends on what it does. will it take the cd and spin it but then just say it cant read it? if its stock and your using a burnt cd i would switch to a bought one. some older decks cant play those cds.

if everything works as it should but doesnt read then you can try to clean the eye. but you are better off just upgrading to a new deck.

 

Older players cant play all media formats(WMA, MPEG, AVI, etc)

Check with different CD's. If not go to your local walmart/electronics store and ask for a cd player cleaner disc.

 

What is the eye? and how would i clean it?

 

Th eye is the 635nm red laser diode that reads the data off the disc.

 

For less than 200 bucks you can have a new stereo that plays CDs and MP3 players can plug into it.

 

I got a kenwood with cd and aux input for like 60$ on sale at sonixelectrics, nice shiney black with dark red lights, looks good in the dim woodgraind panels

 

i got this deck like a yr ago for 50 bucks....gotta love ebay


http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Dual-CD770-2...item51960a749e

 

Ya I know I could find some replacements for a fair price but I rather fix the regular one if I could. Plus, i don't want to give more reasons for someone to break into my jeep or have to worry about taking the face plate off every time i get in and out.

 

Could try pulling the fuse then reinstalling it in case its a software issue. Not likely to be the case, buts its a quick and free way to try and solve the problem.

 

i would put money on it that it has never and will never play your burned CDs. Some anyways, because its a format issue like Diesel said.

Even my 2002 Xterra is like that and my 2009 Infiniti G37S, as new as it is.

I can play some burned discs, but for some reason others dont. That G37 has less than 10k miles, so its not the equipment. Infact, the Xterra plays almost all the CDs the Inifiniti wont, which is odd. Mostly the older burned CDs though. So most MP3s are playable in newer vehicles fro 98 up. But remember, Mp3 format wasnt really big until the end of 90s early 2000, so most manufacturers didnt bother making them 'read' that format.

good luck. btw, Walmart sells $50-75 CD players that have USB ports and play MP3s and you can get the ones that look stock or have a blacked out deck so no one can see it. If someone breaks in, they're going to break in regardless of the deck. Your factory stereo can go for as much if not more than a brand new one...look up the OEM ones, even used.

EDIT....
I just realized you said it doesnt play 'any' CDs, right? my bad
Then yea if cleaning it dont work ($10 kit at walmart) then go to the junkyard and get a replacement. Those lasers stop working sometimes. See if you can even hear it trying to spin

 

if your burning your own cds get a different burn program the has different formats to choose from there a plenty of free one out there

 

Its not just burned CDs, it wont play any. I think im going to try using one of those CDs meant for cleaning the insides. If not, then ill have to go check out the cheap ones at Wal-Mart. Most people want to upgrade their stereos but I honestly like the stock one a lot, its easy to use, simple, and matches the jeep. Thanks for all the advise.

 

haha I havent seen people do that since head units cost like 500$ a pop. You must live in a dangerous neighborhood

 

Wal-Mart?